Last updated on Jul 26, 2024

You're faced with a translation error. How can you ensure the correct context is maintained?

When you're translating, encountering errors is part of the process. But when a mistake slips through, it can distort the intended message and lead to misunderstandings. Ensuring the correct context is maintained is crucial not only for the integrity of the document but also for the communication between parties. Translation is not just about converting words from one language to another; it's about conveying the same meaning, tone, and nuances. Whether you're a professional translator or someone who occasionally needs to translate documents, knowing how to handle translation errors effectively is an essential skill.

1 Identify Errors

The first step to maintaining the correct context in translation is to identify errors promptly. This involves a thorough review of the translated text against the original. Look for discrepancies in meaning, grammar inconsistencies, and cultural misinterpretations. It's important to understand that some concepts may not have a direct translation, so consider the intent behind the words. Paying attention to details and understanding the nuances of both languages will help you spot errors that could lead to a loss of meaning or context.

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Marco Delgado

Licenciado em Línguas, Literaturas e Culturas
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É sempre importante rever o texto e o significado de certas palavras a traduzir principalmente quem usa como auxílio alguma ferramenta de tradução que ao fazer a tradução automática possa não perceber o significado de uma palavra corretamente ou mesmo o sentido de uma expressão idiomática.

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Gustavo Franco

Operations | Project Management | Lawyer (UFMG) | Executive MBA Candidate in Project Management and Agile Methodologies (PUC-RS) | Legal Translation Specialist
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O primeiro passo para manter o contexto correto na tradução é identificar os erros prontamente. Realize uma revisão completa do texto traduzido em relação ao original, procurando por discrepâncias de significado, inconsistências gramaticais e interpretações culturais equivocadas. Compreenda que alguns conceitos podem não ter uma tradução direta e considere a intenção por trás das palavras. Prestar atenção aos detalhes e entender as nuances de ambas as línguas ajudará a detectar erros que podem comprometer o significado ou o contexto.

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2 Source Context

Understanding the source context is paramount. Delve into the cultural and situational nuances of the original text. This means grasping the idiomatic expressions, historical references, and any specialized terminology used. It's not just about literal word-for-word translation; it's about interpreting the essence of the message in a way that resonates with the target audience while staying true to the original content. Sometimes this requires research or consultation with a native speaker to ensure that the translation maintains the same context and impact as intended by the source material.

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Carla Lourenço, PhD

Marine Biologist | Writer | Storyteller | Communication Specialist @ CORDAP
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Na tradução e revisão científica, ou de conteúdos que não sendo técnicos usam termos científicos, é importantíssimo investigar como os termos são utilizados em outras obras/relatórios. Na tradução para Português, por exemplo, é frequente encontrarem-se divergências entre o português de Portugal e o do Brasil. Da mesma forma, há palavras que mal traduzidas passam uma mensagem errada. Por exemplo, bird pode ser traduzido para "ave" e "pássaro", mas os dois termos não são sinónimos.

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3 Target Audience

Tailoring your translation to the target audience is essential for maintaining context. Consider their cultural background, language proficiency, and familiarity with the subject matter. This will influence your choice of words, phrases, and even sentence structure. For technical or specialized texts, ensure that industry-specific terminology is accurately translated and understandable to your audience. The goal is to make the translated content resonate with them as effectively as the original did with its audience.

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4 Review and Edit

A critical step in ensuring context is preserved is to review and edit your translation. This goes beyond proofreading for typos or grammatical errors; it's about refining the translation to ensure it conveys the same message, tone, and nuances as the original. This may involve rephrasing sentences, choosing different words, or even restructuring paragraphs. It's often helpful to take a step back after your initial translation and revisit the text with fresh eyes, or better yet, have another bilingual person review it.

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Javier Rey

CEO & Founder / HEMISPHERE Professional Translation Services & Language Consultancy
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Carefully proofread the translation to catch errors and ensure consistency, comparing the translation with the original text to ensure that the meaning, tone, and context are preserved.

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Carlos G. Caldera

Operations Manager en iDisc | Traductor
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Facing a translation error requires a meticulous approach to ensure the correct context is maintained. The importance of thorough revision and editing cannot be overstated; it's essential to review the entire document, not just the segment with the error, to understand and preserve the overall context. Cross-referencing the source material and consulting subject matter experts if necessary can provide clarity. Additionally, having a second pair of eyes, such as a peer review, can catch subtle nuances and discrepancies you might have missed. This rigorous process ensures the final translation is accurate, contextually appropriate, and of the highest quality.

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5 Consult Experts

When faced with challenging passages or specialized content, don't hesitate to consult experts. This could be a subject matter expert for technical terms or a native speaker for cultural nuances. Their insights can help you understand the context better and choose the most appropriate translations. Remember, maintaining accuracy in translation is not just about language proficiency; it's also about cultural and subject matter understanding.

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6 Use Tools

Finally, leverage translation tools wisely. While machine translation can be a starting point or a tool for quick understanding, it's not infallible. Use dictionaries, glossaries, and translation memories to ensure consistency and accuracy. However, always apply your judgment to the suggestions these tools provide. They can assist you in maintaining context, but they cannot replace the nuanced understanding of a skilled human translator.

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Javier Rey

CEO & Founder / HEMISPHERE Professional Translation Services & Language Consultancy
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Use translation tools and software for initial drafts but cross-check their suggestions with context. Be cautious with machine translation; always review and edit for context and accuracy.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Javier Rey

CEO & Founder / HEMISPHERE Professional Translation Services & Language Consultancy
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Document any translation decisions or changes made during the process for future reference or consistency, maintaining records of terminology and translation choices to build a consistent translation style.

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You're faced with a translation error. How can you ensure the correct context is maintained?

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1 Identify Errors

2 Source Context

3 Target Audience

4 Review and Edit

5 Consult Experts

6 Use Tools

7 Here’s what else to consider

Translation

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